Government & Politics
Overview
As a subject it is of interest to those who are fascinated in finding out why governments do what they do – and whether what they did was right. The skills that it promotes are directly relevant to many vocational areas and are valued by employers. he subject also prepares young people for a wide variety of university courses, not only Government and Politics.
Studying Government and Politics helps to develop your critical thinking and communication skills. It provides you with a sound basis for continuing study at further or higher education levels, either in Politics or other subjects. It will enhance skills such as interpreting and managing information, decision-making and problem-solving. Studying Government & Politics is an excellent preparation for many careers and can open up opportunities for employment in areas such as politics, political research, business, finance, government services, education, journalism and public services.
Government & Politics
Team
GCSE
Not available at GCSE
A LEVEL
AS1
The Government and Politics of Northern Ireland
This unit focuses on the government and politics of Northern Ireland since 1998. You are introduced to the events that led up to 1998 such as ‘The Troubles’ and ‘The Peace Process’. It considers the establishment of ‘The Good Friday Agreement’; the operation of the Assembly and the Executive Committee; the effectiveness of the Assembly and the Executive; and the interrelationship between the Assembly and Executive
AS2
The British Political Process
This unit examines the operation of the British Parliament and the Executive and the relationship between these two institutions. Students also consider the political role of either the British judiciary or pressure groups. The key themes in this unit are:
- the extent to which the Executive dominates the legislature;
- the extent to which the Prime Minister dominates the Executive;
- the extent to which the judiciary acts as an effective check on the Executive; and
- the political impact of pressure groups
AS2 1
Option A: A Comparative Study of the Government and Politics of the United States of America and the United Kingdom
This unit focuses on how the United States of America (USA) is governed and on how this compares to the British political system, with specific reference to the legislative and executive branches. In studying this option, students should draw on the knowledge and understanding that they have acquired in Unit AS 2: The British Political Process.
AS2 2
Option A: Political Power
This unit focuses on the factors involved in creating and maintaining power and authority. It also considers why some states are stable while others have a history of instability that, in some cases, leads to state collapse. The major theories that seek to explain the nature and distribution of political power – pluralism, Marxism, elite theory and feminism – are also central to this unit. For their supporting evidence, students should include material from other A2 and AS units, as well as other relevant material